'Notorious' answers critics with TKO win
Sunday 12 July 2015 11:30, UK
Conor McGregor knocked out Chad Mendes in the second round of their fight to taste UFC gold for the first time.
The brash Irishman won the interim featherweight championship on Saturday night at UFC 189 in Las Vegas in front of a vociferous travelling army of his compatriots inside the MGM Grand thanks to the trusty knockout ability that has served him so well.
In one of the greatest atmospheres in UFC history, McGregor sent his countrymen home happy but, for the first time, was forced to battle through severe adversity before having his hand raised.
Mendes, a short-notice replacement for long-time champion Jose Aldo, enjoyed success with his wrestling ability by frequently taking McGregor off his feet. But with the clock ticking in the second of five rounds, Mendes found himself a sitting duck in front of the Irishman's dynamic punching ability and a left hand saw him crumple to the ground.
I knew if he got me down I could keep going. I knew, I worked him with the body, and the precision of the left hand. No one can take that left hand.
McGregor, 26, entered the raucous arena to the live singing of Sinead O'Connor but soon established himself as the star of the show, barking abuse at his opponent before the first bell even sounded.
Mendes, whose elite wrestling was claimed to be McGregor's Kryptonite, earned his first takedown within seconds but it didn't last long. McGregor returned to his feet laughing but a further two takedowns wiped the smile off his face - he ended the first period with a cut over his eye.
But between the time spent on his back, McGregor's regular kicks to the body had clearly forced Mendes to breathe heavily and it would pay dividends in the next round.
Although the Californian scored another takedown, McGregor shuffled away from any submission attempts and looked ominously in control when the fight returned to a standing position. An uppercut hurt Mendes, McGregor's trademark straight left hand floored him, and the referee stepped in after 4mins 47secs of the round.
"I've been hearing all this time that I've been protected from this style of opponent," said McGregor (18-2), who is now 6-0 in the UFC.
"That I've been gifted a title shot. So when my title shot went running, and I was given the challenge I was supposed to be protected from, I knew I was going to prove to people I was the true fighter.
"I knew if he got me down I could keep going. I knew, I worked him with the body, and the precision of the left hand. No one can take that left hand."
